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Beyonce wowed audiences and critics with her half-time performance at the Super Bowl in New Orleans on Sunday. Her live 14-minute set featured a medley of her hits and also a reunion of her group, Destiny's Child. After admitting last week she mimed the US national anthem at President Obama's inauguration, critics were keen to scrutinise Beyonce's show. But the New York Times was one of many that said she had now "silenced her doubters". "She balanced explosions and humanity, imperiousness with warmth, an arena-ready sense of scale with a microscopic approach to the details of her vocals," wrote Jon Caramanica. "Amid all the loudness were small things to indicate Beyonce was answering her sceptics, quietly but effectively. Beyonce the machine had made her point. This was proof of life." Dressed in a black leather mini dress, the singer kicked off the show with a blaze of flames while she sang a brief a cappella version of her single Love on Top before launching into mega hit Crazy In … [Read more...]

Fans of 1970s post-punk band The Durutti Column have rallied round to help frontman Vini Reilly after three strokes left him unable to pay bills. Reilly's nephew Matt posted an appeal on the Durutti Column website saying the influential guitarist had "hit a bit of a rough patch money-wise". Fans sent £3,000 and Matt posted a new message saying Vini was "ecstatic". "Enough has now been donated to ensure that he can pay off all of the backlog of rent that he owed," he wrote. "He's asked me to pass on his huge gratitude to you all and let you know that no further donations are needed. "He's explained that going forward he should be able to afford to pay his rent, but the debt relates to the period after he had his three strokes but before he was assessed for disability allowance. "It has been a stressful time for Vini, with the constant worry of knowing that he couldn't afford to pay his debts and that could mean being evicted from the place he rents. "But he says he now feels like … [Read more...]

Beyonce has unexpectedly released her fifth album on iTunes overnight, with 14 new songs and 17 music videos. The self-titled record is the follow-up to 2011's 4, and features guest spots from her husband Jay-Z and daughter Blue Ivy. "Surprise!" wrote the 32-year-old in a press release, adding she was "bored" with releasing music the traditional way. The instantaneous release means "I am able to speak directly to my fans," she continued. It also means the pop star's record is one of the few major releases of recent years not to leak in advance. Many records are leaked during the manufacturing and distribution stage - but Beyonce's record is currently exclusive to iTunes. Physical copies only started pressing on Friday morning, and are expected in shops on 21 December. Image copyright Beyonce Image caption 30-second previews of the music videos have been posted on YouTube ANALYSIS By Peter RobinsonEditor, Popjustice On one hand, Beyonce's album is not a surprise in the same way … [Read more...]

Monster movie Godzilla has topped the UK box office in its opening weekend, taking £6.4 million for the 3-D reboot. Starring Breaking Bad's Bryan Cranston, Aaron Taylor Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen, it knocked last week's number one Bad Neighbours into second place. The Seth Rogan and Zac Efron comedy took £1.4m, while The Amazing Spider-Man 2 dropped into third place in its fifth week of release. Godzilla also topped the weekend's US box office with $93.2m (£55.4m). It marked the second biggest US opening of the year so far, beating the The Amazing Spider-Man 2's debut and landing just behind Captain America: The Winter Soldier, which took $95m (£56.4m) when it opened in April. Godzilla's UK opening coincided with one of the hottest weekends of the year so far, which could have contributed to the fact that it took less than Bad Neighbours' opening the previous weekend, at £8.4m. Cameron Diaz comedy The Other Woman was in fourth place at the UK box … [Read more...]

Sci-fi director JJ Abrams will head up the seventh Star Wars film, Lucasfilm owner Walt Disney Co has said. Star Wars creator George Lucas said he was the "ideal choice" to direct the movie - due out in 2015 - adding "the legacy couldn't be in better hands". It will be scripted by Oscar-winning writer Michael Arndt. Abrams, who co-created Lost and directed the Star Trek reboot, said he was "more grateful to George Lucas now than I was as a kid". In October, Disney announced it had bought Lucasfilm for $4.05bn (£2.5bn) and was committed to three new films. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, who will produce the films, said Abrams was "the perfect director to helm this". "Beyond having such great instincts as a filmmaker, he has an intuitive understanding of this franchise - he understands the essence of the Star Wars experience," she said in a statement. Image caption Abrams said it was "an absolute honour" to direct a Star Wars film Abrams, who has also directed films … [Read more...]

Hollywood scribe Michael Arndt will write the next instalment in the Star Wars series, Lucasfilm has confirmed. Arndt won an Oscar for best original screenplay for the 2006 comedy Little Miss Sunshine. His screenplay for Toy Story 3 was nominated for best adapted screenplay in 2010. He has also co-written the second film in the Hunger Games trilogy. According to the Hollywod Reporter, the latest Star Wars story will focus on a new generation of heroes. However, there could be appearances by actors Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher in older incarnations of their characters - Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia - from the original Star Wars trilogy. Harrison Ford, who played space smuggler Han Solo, is also reported to be interested in reprising his role. Ford's Hollywood star rose with his appearances in the three Star Wars film, which he followed up with his role as archaeologist adventurer Indiana Jones and films including with The Fugitive and his Oscar-nominated turn in Witness. Hamill is … [Read more...]

Star Wars experts have been analysing the casting announcement for Episode VII. So did the news make them feel the Force or send them to the Dark Side? According to the Hollywood Reporter, one of the biggest surprises about the announcement of the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII was the lack of surprises. Who's who in the new Star Wars galaxy INTERACTIVE
Adam Driver × Best known for his role as Adam Sackler in the US series Girls, Adam Driver is reported to be playing a villain in the new film. Lawrence Kasdan × Lawrence Kasdan wrote the screenplay for critics' favourite The Empire Strikes Back (as well as its less well-rated sequel), and fans have welcomed his return for 'Episode 7'. Other highlights of his long career include The Big Chill and The Accidental Tourist. JJ Abrams × First cut his teeth as a writer for TV and film before creating the smash hit that was Lost. He went on to reboot the hugely successful Star Trek franchise. Star Wars fun fact - … [Read more...]

Industrial Light and Magic, the visual effects division of Star Wars producer Lucasfilm, is to open a facility in London to work on the effects for the upcoming next instalment in the series. According to the Hollywood Reporter, its 200 staff will also work on other films produced in the UK. These include Age of Ultron, the follow-up to 2012's Avengers Assemble. Star Wars: Episode VII is expected to start shooting in May at Pinewood studios under JJ Abrams' direction. It follows the Disney company's purchase of George Lucas's studio and its various divisions for $4.05 billion (£2.44bn) two years ago. Roger Guyett will supervise the visual effects for the new Star Wars film, having previously worked with Abrams on his Star Trek films. Guyett also worked on Revenge of the Sith, the third of the three Star Wars prequels that Lucas directed between 1999 and 2005. The Hollywood Reporter quotes ILM president Lynwen Brennan as saying the new facility will be "a full service studio" with … [Read more...]

R2-D2 is to make an appearance in the next outing of Star Wars, makers LucasFilm have confirmed. The squat, squeaking android is being created at Pinewood Studios by two British men who are members of a Star Wars robot-building group. Lee Towersey and Oliver Steeples say they feel "very privileged" to be working on the film. Star Wars: Episode VII is currently in pre-production and filming is due to begin in the spring. The new outing is being directed by JJ Abrams and is set for release in December 2015. The two robot builders have previously employed their skills on Star Wars-themed commercials, but it was a visit of LucasFilm president Kathleen Kennedy to a convention in Germany that got their work noticed - and landed them jobs on the new film. "I mentioned that the R2-D2 Builders in the UK were available if required, as a semi-joke. When I was contacted to work on the film by executive producer Jason McGatlin, it was on her recommendation," said Mr Steeples. "It's a dream come … [Read more...]

Open auditions are being planned for two lead roles in the next Star Wars film, the BBC has learned. The casting sessions for Star Wars: Episode VII will start later this week at locations around the UK and Ireland, including London, Dublin and Glasgow. According to a casting notice the film-makers are looking to fill two roles. They are a "street smart and strong" orphaned girl in her late teens and a "smart capable" man in his late teens or early 20s. The open auditions for a "major Hollywood Movie" were first published on the twitter account @UKopencall, which announced a "nationwide search for lead roles for a Disney movie". Disney bought Lucasfilm, the production company behind the Star Wars series, in October 2012. In the US open auditions also begin this week according to an online notice. Casting directors will be visiting cities including Nashville and Chicago as well as accepting online applications. Leaked descriptions Lucasfilm declined to comment to the BBC but it is … [Read more...]

The biggest night for television has taken place in Los Angeles with the Primetime Emmy Awards, with a host of stars gathering for the glittering awards ceremony. Here are just a few moments from the night. Image copyright Reuters Breaking Bad star Aaron Paul celebrated his win for best supporting actor in a mini-series. Image copyright Reuters The entire cast and crew of Breaking Bad assembled to pose with their awards for outstanding drama series. Image copyright Reuters Julianna Margulies, who was named best actress in a drama series winner for The Good Wife, said it was a "golden age for television". Image copyright Reuters Sherlock screenwriter Steven Moffat picked up the trophy for outstanding mini-series writer, while the show's stars Martin Freeman and Benedict Cumberbatch won acting accolades. Image copyright EPA British TV star Cat Deeley was nominated for best reality host for So You Think You Can Dance, but lost out to Jane Lynch for Hollywood Game Night. Image … [Read more...]

Actress Uzo Aduba, TV host Jimmy Fallon and BBC drama Sherlock were among the main winners at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards in Los Angeles. The ceremony honours TV guest stars and behind-the-scenes crew. Fallon won best guest actor in a comedy for hosting Saturday Night Live - one of five awards for the NBC sketch show. Sherlock picked up four prizes, while Aduba was named best guest actress in a comedy for her role as "Crazy Eyes" in Netflix's Orange is the new Black. In an emotional speech, the actress thanked her mother for moving from Nigeria "to make a better life for her family". She also thanked the programme's creators for a show "that lets everyone be represented in such a beautiful way". Image copyright Reuters Image caption Actress Allison Janney thanked a particularly crucial member of the crew on Masters of Sex Image copyright Reuters Image caption Joe Morton won for playing Rowan Pope, the leader of a covert CIA division, in political thriller Scandal In the drama … [Read more...]

A host of British stars have been nominated at this year's Primetime Emmy awards. Sherlock's Martin Freeman and Benedict Cumberbatch, Downton Abbey's Michelle Dockery and Chiwitel Ejiofor were among the nominees announced in Los Angeles. Fantasy drama Game of Thrones led the way with 19 nominations including best drama series. The TV version of 1996 film Fargo scored 18 nods, including nominations for Freeman and Billy Bob Thornton. Freeman had a second nomination for best supporting actor in a mini-series or movie for Sherlock: His Last Vow. The BBC programme is also up for best television movie, with Cumberbatch nominated in the mini-series or movie lead actor category. He will go up against Freeman and Thornton for Fargo, Mark Ruffalo for his part in Aids drama The Normal Heart and fellow Britons Ejiofor and Idris Elba for their respective roles in Dancing on the Edge and Luther. Image caption Idris Elba is nominated for Luther, Michelle Dockery for Downton Abbey and Chiwetel … [Read more...]

Image caption Veep star Julia Louis-Dreyfus said her fourth Emmy meant a lot as she has also lost out ten times The Emmy Awards were handed out in Los Angeles on Sunday night. Liberace biopic Behind the Candelabra was the biggest winner with three awards, including best TV movie and a best actor award for Michael Douglas. Breaking Bad was named best drama, while Modern Family took the comedy award for the fourth time. Here is what some of the stars had to say on the night. NEIL PATRICK HARRIS - Emmys host "Tonight we celebrate the best of television. For the younger audience, that's the thing you watch on your phones." MICHAEL DOUGLAS - Outstanding lead actor in a miniseries or movie for Behind the Candelabra To co-star Matt Damon: "This is a two-hander and Matt, you're only as good as your other hand. You're magnificent and the only reason I'm standing here is because of you. You really deserve half of this. So do you want the bottom or the top?" JANE LYNCH - Glee actress pays tribute … [Read more...]

Television stars are attending the 65th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles. British actors including Damian Lewis and Dame Helen Mirren are in the race for top accolades. Dame Helen is nominated in the lead actress in a mini series or movie category for her role as a leading lawyer in HBO drama Phil Spector. Homeland star Lewis takes on fellow Brit Hugh Bonneville in the best lead actor in a drama category. American Horror Story: Asylum has the most nominations with 17 nods. Oscar winner Jessica Lange is in the running for her role in the horror tale. Image caption Elisabeth Moss is recognised for her roles in Mad Men and Jane Campion's drama Tope Of The Lake Lewis and Bonneville face stiff competition in their category from Breaking Bad's Bryan Cranston, Kevin Spacey for House of Cards, Mad Men's Jon Hamm and Jeff Daniels for The Newsroom. At a Bafta party ahead of the ceremony, Bonneville said he felt relaxed about his prospects. "I don't think the pressure is on me, … [Read more...]

The Liberace biopic Behind the Candelabra has taken the top honours at this year's Emmy awards, winning best TV movie and a best actor award for Michael Douglas. Steven Soderberg also claimed the outstanding director prize for the film which aired on the US cable network HBO. Here is a list of winners and nominees from the key categories for this year's awards, held in Los Angeles on Sunday. Outstanding Comedy Series
Winner: Modern Family The Big Bang Theory Girls Louie 30 Rock Veep
Outstanding Drama Series
Winner: Breaking Bad Downton Abbey Game of Thrones Homeland House of Cards Mad Men
Outstanding Miniseries or Movie
Winner: Behind the Candelabra American Horror Story: Asylum The Bible Phil Spector Political Animals Top of the Lake
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Winner: Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory Jason Bateman, Arrested Development Matt LeBlanc, Episodes Don Cheadle, House of Lies Louis C.K., Louie Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy … [Read more...]

James Gandolfini and Cory Monteith are to receive posthumous tributes at the Primetime Emmy awards. Producers have selected five people to be recognised separately from the usual In Memoriam segment. Producer Gary David Goldberg, Jean Stapleton and Jonathan Winters will also be honoured. Monteith died from a heroin and alcohol overdose in July, while Gandolfini died in June following a heart attack. Close friends and colleagues will deliver the tributes. Edie Falco will pay tribute to her on-screen Sopranos husband Gandolfini, while Glee star Jane Lynch will pay tribute to Monteith. 'Unique new format' Actor Michael J Fox has been asked to talk about Family Ties producer Goldberg. The show helped launch Fox's career and they also worked together on the 1990s political sitcom Spin City. Director Rob Reiner will present the Jean Stapleton tribute. He played her son-in-law in the 1970s hit sitcom All in the Family. She died in June aged 90. Comic Robin Williams will remember his … [Read more...]

Sir Elton John will perform live at this year's Emmy Awards for the first time in the ceremony's 64-year history. The musician, who is 66, will make his debut with a tribute to Liberace, the American pianist and vocalist whose life was told in the recent biopic, Behind the Candelabra. The HBO film, which premiered in Cannes this year, is up for 15 Emmys. The awards, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, will take place on 22 September. Michael Douglas and Matt Damon, who play Liberace and his lover Scott Thorson in Behind The Candelabra, have both been nominated in the lead actor in a miniseries or movie category. The pair are also set to present an award during the ceremony. Sir Elton's first solo studio album in seven years, The Diving Board, produced by T Bone Burnett, is set for release on 24 September. The singer was forced to cancel a series of summer shows in July, including a headline gig in London's Hyde Park, after being diagnosed with appendicitis. He underwent surgery in August. … [Read more...]

Hollywood actors Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones "are taking time apart" after 13 years of marriage, it has been confirmed. The actress's publicist told the BBC the couple had taken the decision in order to "evaluate and work on their marriage". Douglas, 68, and Swansea-born Zeta Jones, 43, married in 2000 after meeting in France two years earlier. They have two children - Dylan, 13, and Carys, 10. The pair have both struggled with health problems in recent years. Douglas was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2010, while Zeta Jones sought treatment for bipolar disorder in 2011 and again earlier this year. At this year's Cannes Film Festival, Douglas claimed his condition - which is now in remission - had been caused by oral sex. 'Second chance' The couple share the same birthday, 25 September, and met at the Deauville Film Festival in France in 1998. They had their first child in August 2000, and married three months later in a lavish ceremony at New York's Plaza hotel, where … [Read more...]